Brief - Summer 2015 Edition

Eye-catching visuals How the Corporate Media Imaging team captures the world of GMP Local resolution: A new approach to keeping the public informed about their case

Modern Slavery: How GMP is taking a victimcentred focus

Ramadan: Short films give insight into holy Muslim month

Columns

A tribute to Sir Peter

Thank you for the privilege This will probably be my last column for Brief.

As you are probably aware I will be retiring in a few months.

I have had the privilege of leading GMP for seven years and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during that time.

It has been a time of immense change for policing and I know we have a clear plan of how we want to take things forward. Fit For Future presentations have been taking place and I hope you can see how you can help with the changes.

Devolution in Greater Manchester is going to be a huge change and along with public sector reform,

provides us with some real opportunities.

I will be sad to leave policing after 34 years and to leave many good friends within GMP. We have had some amazing achievements, but also some challenging times and throughout the past seven years we have shown what we can do.

There are many criminals that have been brought to justice and people who we have helped during that time.

It has been an honour to have been the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police for the past seven years. Thank you for your support and I know as I leave you will continue making Greater Manchester safer.

Sir Peter Fahy Chief Constable

Challenges and changes I have been appointed Mayor of Greater Manchester—an unprecedented role that gives our region the opportunity to shed the shackles of Whitehall, find new ways of working, and design services solely around the needs of our neighbourhoods and local people.

Devolution brings with it many challenges but also some opportunities to deliver real change for the people of Greater Manchester.

The work of GMP officers and staff is recognised nationally, particularly around child sexual

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exploitation, supporting people living with mental ill health, and disrupting the activities of organised crime gangs.

I am still PCC and still very much committed to building stronger, safer neighbourhoods and driving forward change and transformation. Neighbourhood policing and partnership working tie in strongly with the ethos I hope to bring to the position of mayor. It’s only by strengthening this and building links across our public services and the voluntary sector that we can rise to the challenge of dealing with government cuts and changing people’s lives for the better.

The future brings serious challenges: the policing budget is falling at a time when vulnerability, crime

Through his tireless commitment to public service, Sir Peter has become a highly respected figure both locally and nationally.

During his seven years with GMP, Sir Peter has worked to implement fundamental changes to how Greater Manchester is policed, ensuring that we protect those that are most vulnerable whilst ensuring that all of our communities are safe from harm.

Sir Peter has been a great credit to both GMP and Greater Manchester and he leaves us in much better shape than when he arrived. He will now take up the Chief Executive role with Retrak, allowing him to put his passion and many skills to use to continue to help others.

I thank Sir Peter for his tireless work for the people of Greater Manchester and I wish him every success and happiness in his next adventure.

Tony Lloyd, PCC

and terrorism increasingly test our society.

I will continue to campaign against the cuts, which have been too fast and too deep, and I will work closely with the Chief Constable to make sure we target resources where they are most needed.

A police service is only as good as the people in it, which means Greater Manchester is very lucky indeed.

I want to thank you for your resilience during this long period of change and – most importantly – to thank you for the real difference you make to the community.

Tony Lloyd PCC

08 Ramadan

Contents

News

GMP highlights the holy month of Ramadan with three personal stories

04 Devolution

09 US Police Week & #helpbobby

How GMP will work more closely with other public services

Sgt Julian Hill reflects on his US visit and a look at the Robert Hart investigation

05 Legal high empire crashes

17 School projects and Safe Havens

Seven jailed in the largest ‘legal high’ drug investigation ever in the UK

Gorton and South Manchester officers back to school and a Safe Haven in Manchester

06-07 Divisional Roundup

18 Letters of Appreciation

A brief look at what’s been happening around the divisions

Members of the public thank officers and staff of GMP for their work

Spotlight 13 Local Resolution Officers New roles help to reducing the incident queue

GMP Life 10 Fit for the Future Keeping staff and officers updated about the challenges ahead

21 Federation insurance scheme Details of new scheme for officers and staff

11 What’s Trending

22 Dementia: a cultural perspective

A look at how the world of social media is viewing the work of GMP

Rochdale gets guidannce how to deal with dementia in the South Asian community

12 News in Brief & Give and Gain Day

24 Cricket & HATS fundraising

slavery Taking a victim-centred approach

News in Brief and how employers are learning about the Special Constabulary

Stockport supports cricket tournament, cycling fundraising for HATs

15 Corporate Media Imaging

16 Staff welfare & drug driving

25 Triathlon triumph & basketball

An insight in how CMI are visually shaping GMP and influencing other forces

Wellbeing days for officers and staff and an update on new drug driving legislation

Success for GMP’s triathlon team and a national honour for PC Stuart Jackson

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Be published in Brief Editorial team: (left to right) Melissa Mead, Krystyna Rudzki, Patricia Jones & Charlotte Gowers Photographers: Chris Oldham and Bill Morris 0161 856 2777 | Picture Desk: Lisa Marks 0161 856 2279 Designed and produced by: Corporate Communications, Force Headquarters, Central Park, M40 5BP Contact numbers: 0161 856 856 5939 / 2238 / 5938 Email: Brief@gmp.police.uk Brief online: www.gmp.police.uk/Brief

Articles and contributions for the next edition of Brief should be submitted by

Friday 18 September 2015 3

News

Devolution - what does it actually mean?

THE introduction of devolution means that GMP and other Greater Manchester agencies will have more direct influence over how public services are delivered and how public funding is allocated.

GMP will also work collaboratively with other local agencies and be accountable to the elected mayor, who will also be the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Devolution will give extra momentum to work that has already begun under the Public Service Reform umbrella on three levels:

Force (Challenger) – how we work with partner agencies to address high risk and harm such as Serious and Organised Crime including modern slavery, serious sexual offences and high risk repeat domestic abuse perpetrators

Devolution will create an easier and Investment in collaborative working more focussed way of thinking about how we work with partner agencies, is already taking place. For example, the Association of Greater Manchester such as fire services, mental health Authorities has recently agreed to fund services, schools and social care, etc, to tackle the demand and problems three Local Authority posts on that come to policing by changing the Challenger to continue to support our Borough – local agencies sharing way we will be funded and how our information and solving problems efforts to disrupt and dismantle success is measured. together, for instance through work to organised crime groups and protect tackle re-offending, the ‘Troubled Next year there will be no elections the most vulnerable. Most divisions Families Programme’ or working in for Mayor and Tony Lloyd will remain now work with a range of partners in partnership to support people with interim-mayor until elections in 2017. public service hubs to share mental health needs To find out more about the information, solve problems and Local – integrated neighbourhood additional powers that will be devolved safeguard children and vulnerable policing, working differently with to Greater Manchester visit the Force communities and partner agencies to adults.

Intranet site.

arrived to film at an Australian Zoo. The female koala named Miley looked to be a natural behind the camera before climbing on for a better look and having a go at grabbing switches

America: University students in Pennsylvania had a shock when a huge black bear gate-crashed their Saturday night party. Police officers chased the bear up a tree and after coaxing it down they managed to tranquilize the bear and take it in to police custody.

Australia: A curious Koala decided to have a bit of fun when a news crew

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solve problems and reduce demand.

and levers.

Scotland: Four police officers stormed a café after the owner reported seeing a dark figure on his live CCTV feed. But no burglar was found and there was no sign of a break in. The owner now thinks his café could be haunted after studying the CCTV where he can make out an average height figure in a t-shirt walking out of shot. The infrared detectors also detected movement.

 England: A woman from Plymouth woke up to find 107 gnomes carefully set out in her front garden. Police

were called and a local garden centre was checked but no gnomes were found to be missing. It is not known where they came from but if no one comes forward to collect them, Marcela can be the lucky owner of all 107 gnomes.

THE largest ‘legal high’ investigation in the UK has resulted in prison for seven offenders.

The gang had international reach and sold millions of pounds worth of drugs across the globe from a factory in Farnworth, Bolton. More than £4million of drugs was sold online via the ‘Wide Mouth Frogs’ website.

In total seven members of the Organised Crime Group were jailed for their part in the ‘legal high’ empire. The Mastermind behind the website, Paula White, was jailed for nine years.

White’s profits from the gang’s operation were substantial. She owned a brand new Aston Martin, a house worth £800,000, a villa in Marbella, and a swimming pool under construction, as well as a £10,000 dog kennel.

During the investigation a man sadly lost his life after taking drugs which he had purchased days before his death

Paula White’s luxurious villa in Spain

from the Wide Mouth Frogs website. The purchase of these drugs was found to have contributed to his death.

Paula White Det Supt Hudson, head of operations for Titan, The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: "This case highlighted a number of issues for Titan. Firstly, 77 per cent of the commodities sold as 'Legal Highs' on the Wide Mouth frogs website were in fact controlled drugs and anyone caught with these drugs could face prosecution.

“Secondly, there were serious health implications reported by a number of people from taking these drugs.

“At no stage did this gang test any of the drugs sold online, when certain compounds were made illegal they mixed them with other products and had no idea of the effects.

"We know that drugs purchased from the Wide Mouth Frogs website contributed to the death of one man and hospitalised a number of others.

This case once again highlights just what a lottery it is for your health if you choose to take drugs such as these."

News

Legal high empire crashes

GMP hosted the BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow for two live shows in July demonstrating the hard work of our officers and staff.

As well as profiles on water safety and the Tactical Dog Unit, there were opportunities for officers to feature live appeals for information relating to investigations.

There have already been some positive leads and arrests following the shows — including one wanted face who handed himself in on the day of the broadcast when his nan saw it!

It is hoped this will materialise into real results for the Force.

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Divisional News

Divisional Roundup Tameside A man was sentenced for Child Sexual Exploitation following investigation led by the Phoenix Tameside CSE team.

Darryl Howe was found guilty of child abduction, inciting a child to commit a sexual act and engaging in sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced to 33 months in prison. DC Rob Pullan said: “He knew full well that his victims were impressionable underage girls and used this to his advantage to satisfy his sexual desires. I hope this sentence will in some way give the victims closure.”

North Manchester

ON Thursday 30 July, the division are holding an Emergency Services Family Fun Day on Castle Street. The event will have a community safety theme with representatives from a range of emergency services.

Wigan AN investigation into a report of a serious sexual assault on a 16-yr-old girl turned into a real case of Jekyll & Hyde for DC Sheen Mearevoet.

The offender, Kristopher Houghton, claimed he had multiple personalities and could not remember what happened.

His mother confirmed that he had at least four alter-egos.

Despite the defence arguing this case and saying he could not be responsible for his action, the jury did not accept this and in July Houghton was found guilty.

Stockport

CI Kenny with the Gorton cadets

THE North Manchester Cadets have been getting fully involved with a number of local events in June.

This included the Higher Blackley Community Parade, which saw local residents turning out en masse to line the route. The day raised over £900 for a local community centre.

Trafford TRAFFORD officers and staff were invited to share their ideas on how to improve customer service at the division in return for a piece of cake. Over 60 people attended the event including Ch Spts Mary Doyle and Nick Adderley.

Oldham

Operation Plumbline in action

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FOURTEEN people were arrested in the third phase of Operation Plumbline, the ongoing operation to crack down on drug dealing in Oldham.

They were arrested when GMP officers raided the addresses.

This followed two previous phases and a year of investigation by officers from Oldham’s Organised Crime Unit and Serious Crime Division into the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in the Oldham area.

Inspector Paul Walker said: “This third strike is taking us one step closer to ridding the streets of Oldham of drugs. Operation Plumbline has taken a year of hard work and determination from dedicated officers and has seen 36 arrests so far.”

A five-a-side football tournament was held in memory of an officer killed in the line of duty.

Officers from across GMP as well as a team from North West Ambulance Service came together to commemorate PC John Egerton, who was tragically murdered on duty in a factory yard in Farnworth in 1982.

Eight teams in total competed and after some close matches, the final was contested between NWAS and Astley Bridge All Stars. Astley were crowned winners of the tournament, which has now been running for over 20 years.

Organiser PC Graeme Sharp said: “It is important that we continue to remember John Egerton and this tournament helps to keep his memory alive.

This year’s tournament was very successful and the aim is to get even more teams involved next year.

“I would also like to thank the staff at Powerleague, Leverhulme Park, who play a big part in making this tournament run smoothly every year.”

Airport THE airport played a vital role in a threat of terrorism and serious joint operation across North West air organised crime. and sea ports in June, which saw The end of a week of operations at £35,000 in cash and a number of Manchester Airport, using police and seizures made. The week of action Border Force dogs to detect was part of a national campaign to undeclared large amounts of cash protect the public from the threat of and other materials linked to serious terrorism and serious organised organised crime. crime.

Police partnered up with with colleagues from Border Force, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to carry out multiple briefings to employees working at 14 North West sea ports and airports over the past week, advising them on what they should be looking out for to help tackle the SNIFFING AROUND: Border Force dogs at the airport

South Manchester TWELVE men were arrested on suspicion of trafficking after a multiagency operation led by GMP and Home Office Criminal Investigations.

Eight women and seven children, believed to be victims of trafficking, were taken to specialist Victim Reception

Centres after officers attended addresses across the South Manchester and Trafford divisions. The men have subsequently been bailed pending further investigations. Officers are also investigating whether sham marriage offences have been committed.

Divisional News

Bolton

Rochdale A joint day of action was held with the council to combat antisocial behaviour in response to community concerns about beggars and drinkers. Warning letters were issued and local retailers were provided an email address to report ASB quickly.

Bury FOUR men who were arrested after a man died following a fall from the roof of a building in Bury have been bailed. The men are suspected of gross negligence manslaughter and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Salford A volunteer recruitment event took place which saw Specials, cadets and officers engage with the Jewish community in Salford. Twenty-six expressions of interest were received for a variety of volunteering and support roles.

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News

Insight into Ramadan

THIS year promises to be the largest ever police contingent in any pride parade as we show your ‘DEVOTION’ during the Manchester Pride Parade on Saturday 29 August.

Many of your colleagues and friends have already registered to march with ‘Police with Pride’.

To join them you can register your interest by emailing gmp.pride.network@gmp.police.uk Remember to state your Division/Branch and whether you intend to march proudly in uniform or model one of the special edition ‘Police with Pride’ t-shirt (please state your size preference).

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SHORT films featuring Muslim staff and officers have given an insight into celebrating Ramadan at work.

PCSO Ahmed Farooqi from South Manchester, Sergeant Waseem Ahmedi from Trafford and Custody Detention Officer Irfan Jaffi from Salford talk about observing Ramadan alongside keeping people safe.

The videos, which have been shared on social media, help to give people a better understanding of the holy month of Ramadan and the challenges faced by GMP colleagues.

PCSO Ahmed Farooqi said: “Ramadan is a very important month for all the Muslims in the world. It’s one of the most Holy months where Muslims fast for 30 days from sunrise to sunset and they give a lot to charities, read the Quran, read prayers and in the end the families come together and celebrate.

“The fasting is round about 20 hours so it is quite long. I try my best to save my energy as long as I can and I get regular breaks and time to pray.”

Custody Detention Officer Irfan Jaffri said: “Ramadan is one of the very important five pillars of Islam in which we have to fast. We can’t drink, we can’t eat and it can be a big challenge when it’s very hot or very

stressful.

“However, that’s the object, you have to put yourself in that kind of pain to feel how people feel when they are starved or can’t have any water.”

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Hopefully the videos will give an insight into what observing Ramadan means for our colleagues and help to give a better understanding to those of us of a different faith or no faith.

“I think it is really important that we all try to understand the differences that collectively make GMP and our communities stronger.

“Patrolling the streets or working in roles to support police colleagues without food or drink and very little sleep is a huge sacrifice.

“We are incredibly thankful to our Muslim colleagues for their continued commitment to helping keep people safe across Greater Manchester throughout the holy month.”

To view the videos, visit GMP’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/gmpolice

Pictured from top down: PCSO Ahmed Farooqi, Sgt Waseem Ahmedi and Detention Officer Irfan Jaffri who have featured in a series of short videos

approximately 12,000 officers. It culminates with the candles being lit at each end and gradually the flame works its way to the middle whilst a thin blue laser line is beamed across the night sky.

One particularly moving tribute was when we attended a small ceremony for strong Honour Guard representing all a Met police officer who was killed on the UK police forces. The event itself duty. His sister, PC Kirsty Eastwoodsees more than 55,000 officers attend to Smith was one of the officers from the honour fallen colleagues. All British Met with us as part of the Honour officers pay for themselves to attend Guard. and raise money for COPs (Care of We also met a 10-year-old girl, Police Survivors).

Savannah Solis who wrote a letter to all A very special moment was a police officers saying how much she candlelight vigil held at the National appreciated what police officers do for Police Memorial Garden. This is a very others after the two NYPD officers were moving ceremony involving

IN May Sgt Julian Hill from the Wigan division travelled to Washington D.C to participate in US Police Week and Memorial Day. He spoke to Brief about his experience.

“I travelled to the US as part of a 21

gunned down in their car. I think that nearly everyone was in tears by the end, although we all denied it.

The culmination of the week’s duties was the main parade in front of the Capitol Building. The key note speaker was President Barack Obama. For our final duty of the trip we provided a guard at the National Police Memorial for the wreath which had been dedicated at the parade.

If you ever get the chance to attend this week I heartily recommend you take it up. It is not an easy week, it is emotionally draining and I guarantee you will walk miles. However it is one of the most rewarding things I have done since joining the police.”

News

Honouring the fallen at US Police Week

T/Sgt Julian Hill with Savannah Solis

Embracing new ways of investigation THE investigation into the death of Robert Hart at Parklife last year broke new ground through the use of social media.

Detectives went one step further for the recent year anniversary of the attack. Alongside a traditional media campaign, the hashtag #helpbobby was launched as a way for people to show their support and raise awareness.

More importantly, it was also used

as a way for anyone who attended 2014 Parklife to send in their pictures or video footage of the event. Twitter users posted their pictures using the hashtag, allowing the Force’s Corporate Communications Branch to send the pictures on to detectives.

Although not appropriate for every investigation, it was an excellent opportunity to trial this new technique for this particular audience. This was an encouraging example of how our

detectives are testing the relationship between policing and social media, and how new technologies can be used to assist investigations.

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News

Shaping the Force’s Future with their own staff.

Rebecca Murphy, Head of Change & Transformation said: “For the last two years the Chief Constable has visited every division and branch to provide an update on a range of issues facing the Force.

“This was a huge commitment for one person and it was time to do FIT for the Future events are being rolled out across the Force, providing officers and staff with the latest changes and challenges facing the Force over the next five years.

During last year’s Chief Constable’s Roadshow, officers and staff said they preferred to find out about the latest changes and challenges facing the Force on a face -to-face basis.

As a result the Fit for Future events were developed by the Business Improvement Partners from the Change and Transformation Branch in conjunction with the Corporate Communications Branch.

The materials provided an overview of the changes taking place across the Force and provided senior leaders with the opportunity to discuss the impact of local changes

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something different and get all senior leaders to be more involved in engaging with their teams about the challenges facing the Force.

“The Business Improvement Partners had also gathered feedback from officers and staff last year during the Roadshow and their feedback reinforced our thinking.”

As part of the cascade the BIPs

brought all the divisional and branch leads together to ensure they fully understood what the event was for, and were aware of how to consistently deliver the messages.

All the materials for each local event, including a presentation, videos and table top exercises were issued to all the leads so that they could tailor the events to suit the audience.

She added: “While each event has been delivered slightly differently, there were a number of key messages that had to delivered to ensure some consistency across the Force. This included the videos from chief officers and the table top exercises.

“Senior leaders were also expected to ensure that the sessions were relevant to their teams so that discussions could be open

and honest, and officers and staff felt comfortable providing feedback, ideas and ask questions.

“Many people have asked us what is happening to the information that has been gathered from the events.

“This feedback is, and will continue to be, collated by the BIPs and will be used to shape future work

particularly around ethics, culture and behaviour.”

Officers and staff will also get to hear about what is happening through local face-to-face events, on the Force Intranet site and in Brief.

In the meantime stay up to date with the Fit for the Future blog.

What’s Trending?

The work of the Serious Sexual Offences Unit (SSOU) and Major Investigation Team was recently highlighted in a BBC2 documentary 'The Detectives'. Here’s the reaction: @MaryHadley6 @gmpolice @BBCTwo Loved this program. Detectives, police officers and staff are amazing and the victims are brave.

Thank you

the work of @gmpolice & the impact of sexual offences.

@laalaa1983 Hats off to @gmpolice & the work this unit do. Harrowing & fascinating in @tilly_bob Compelling and fascinating viewing. equal measure, skilfully produced Well done #TheDetectives #TheDetectives @Obsolesence Very impressed + fascinated to @JulieHuckvale @gmpolice #TheDetectives see behind the scenes. I hope it reassures rape How brave are those women? Just shows victims that they will be taken seriously justice can still be had years down the line. #NoEscape @FlossyMcQ Bravo to all those involved in the @BBC doc the Detectives. Brilliant insight into @DanAllbon #TheDetectives was compelling

Social Media Praise @MonkeyBoyUFC @gmpolice @GMPWigan I have just had to make a call through to you guys and got through to one of the nicest people I have ever spoken to. @Asfandeyar @gmpolice just wanted to thank you for the swift professional response of your officers to an incident at my mother’s house

… She was really helpful & it was much appreciated @Rachylou27 @gmpolice @GMPHyde were absolutely amazing last night. Thank you

viewing. Great work done by officers at @gmpolice @NinaWarhurst Speechless watching #TheDetectives – the bravery of the victims is incredible. And good to see so many female investigators. @gmpolice

Top Tweet— 6,500+ retweets & a reach of 4 million+

@JoshuaHandley3 @gmpolice @SurvivorsMcr @StmarysSARC Huge respect to you in acknowledging male and female domestic abuse—steps in the right direction ;)

@stefirth officers reading children’s books to my nephew last night after his daddy’s car had been broken into. Top lads @andyeganukl @GMPDidsbury @gmpolice Had car broken into and lots @RussoTheGooner Many thanks to Karen stolen great communication from PC who we spoke to iin the control room tonight Marcus Holmes. Perp’ caught and charged. @UniRabbi My child was thrilled to sit inside a @gmpolice car & learn all about the #Poliice force. Thanks a lot @TruckerMozzi for visiting the school!

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News

A Special exercise for employers  GREATER Manchester Police is joining forces with Manchester City Council (MCC) to service and maintain their vehicles in a bid to cut costs and improve the service. From Monday 13 July, the single workshop facility at GMP’s Openshaw site began providing vehicle servicing and repair for police vehicles and vehicles currently maintained by MCC. As MCC is also responsible for inspecting licensed private hire and Hackney vehicles, a new taxi reception area has also been constructed so that taxi drivers can drop off their vehicles for inspection and view MOTs without coming onto GMP premises.

VOLUNTEERS were celebrated across the Force during the 30th national Volunteer’s Week and national Special’s Weekend last month. During the week, events were held across various sites to celebrate our volunteers and raise awareness of opportunities throughout GMP to give something back. DCC Ian Hopkins said: “GMP is committed to developing our volunteer schemes, and we recognise the significant contribution that volunteers make to the policing of Greater Manchester.

Volunteering is a way to connect

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policing to communities and communities to policing. People give up their own time to positively contribute to their local area and their actions are truly commendable.”

LATER this month, Salford Division will begin testing the new local policing model. The new model has been developed by front line officers to ensure we can commit to neighbourhood policing whilst still being able to provide a response to calls from the public. It will mean response officers, neighbourhood police officers and prisoner processing units working together as one team. It aligns resources against demand more effectively and introduces a new 16-week shift pattern. The proposed model comes after a team of front line officers completed a review of response and neighbourhood policing at Salford.

They looked at all demand coming in, how we respond to the frequency and types of demand and what subsequently happens to the work once it is handed over unit to unit.

Further information can be found on the Intranet under Fit for the Future.

Employers got a taste of what it’s really like to be a Special Constable as part of Give & Gain day 2015

ORGANISATIONS including Halifax, Co-operative Foods and BT Open Reach each sent representatives to take part in a day of activity to see what their employees got up to when volunteering with GMP as Specials.

The day began with a welcome address from Deputy PCC Jim Battle and ACC Rebecca Sutcliffe.

Superintendent Arif Nawaz then briefed the group on the day’s operation.

One of the most impactive parts of the day was when employers witnessed a warrant executed by officers and a large cannabis farm was discovered, and over the day

over £5,000 worth of cannabis was seized. Another great result from the operation included the seizure of over 40 suspected stolen mobile phones, as well as numerous traffic stops.

The majority of the employers who took part were part of the Employer Supported Policing scheme, which allows organisations to give their employees time off work to pursue a role as a police Special.

GMP is also part of this scheme and supports any member of police staff who wishes to volunteer as a special. For more information, please contact Tina Shelton tina.shelton@gmp.pnn.police.uk

AS part of the Force’s mission to become Fit for the Future, Brief caught up with Sergeant Alex Metcalfe (pictured above) from the Bolton North Integrated Neighbourhood Team to find out more about Local Resolution.

Local Resolution Officers (LROs) are now working within neighbourhood teams to resolve local non-emergency demand in divisions over the phone.

Sgt Alex Metcalfe has been integral in making sure the LROs are embedded in the team. He said: “We are very bad at saying no. It is so easy to say ‘leave it with us, someone will come back to you’ but we have to be honest with the public. Be firm but clear about what we can do, deal with it appropriately, then close the incident. That’s what local

resolution is all about.

“In the past jobs have festered in the incident (SI) queue as no-one has got round to dealing with it. It could take several days for an officer to visit at which time it may be there isn’t anything we can do anyway – because it is a civil or council matter. By the end the customer is left feeling frustrated: ‘why didn’t they just tell me that in the beginning?’ and the police officer is left asking: ‘why have I spent time and effort doing this?’

“Since their introduction we have seen a dramatic reduction in the SI queue. There are fewer appointments and handovers and victims are able to move on quicker because their issue has been resolved quicker. Some of the blockage we saw in the SI queue previously however has transferred to sergeants, who are responsible for crime management and finalisation, but we are creating capacity within the sergeants’ team to deal with it.

“While experience of policing is obviously useful in the role, the most important thing is to have excellent customer service skills – the ability to talk to somebody. We can teach the law, but essentially LROs need to be decision makers and confident saying no if it’s necessary. But they also need to recognise where an incident does

have the potential to cause harm that it is flagged up and dealt with straight away. That’s why it’s integral that they work closely with supervisors while they build up their experience.

“With any theory it takes time to put it into practice and it is difficult to change our way of thinking. But it all comes down to being realistic with the

public. If it’s not a police matter, say that straight away, and direct them to the right place. This prevents a lot of dissatisfaction later.

We have to make those challenges so we can focus on things that really do matter.”

Spotlight

Resolving non-emergency demand first time

Local Resolution Officers LROs form part of the Integrated Neighbourhood Team and resolve nonemergency calls on the phone rather than passing it on to a front line officer.

They provide advice or signposting to other services, record crimes over the telephone and provide a crime number, make initial screening decisions and where required pass to officers for investigation. The next phase of the project involves bringing in more police staff as LROs and releasing police officers, who are currently doing the LRO role, back to other duties.

Chris May is a LRO and is based in Stretford. He has been a LRO since April this year. He said: “It is great to learn that as part of the Fit for the Future programme and the introduction of the LRO that officers are able to get back out on the streets.

“Sergeants I work with have noticed that there has been a reduction in the number of low level type appointments, reducing the number of daily appointments that officers have to attend.”

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Spotlight 14

Prisoners in their own home afraid to speak to the police and it took some time to build up her confidence while the officers gently explained to her THE new Modern Slavery Coordination Unit (MSCU) has recently why they were there.

Eventually, the girl broke down and been set up where the victim is at the begged for the police to arrest her in centre of every investigation. In a order to get her safely out of the house. recent case study Brief shares the She had several injuries and was team ethos. severely malnourished. She was taken Officers received intelligence that there was a suspected brothel operating away and gradually her story became more clear. The mother of the family in Bolton where women could be a victim of sexual trafficking. A section 17 had forced her into prostitution to ‘earn entry of the property was executed and her keep’ in the household. The father and sons had been transporting her to a mixture of GMP officers, including clients. She received no income and Serious and Organised Crime Group had no travel or identity documents in officers and interpreters attended. her possession.

During the search officers found a She also disclosed that the other Hungarian family staying at the ‘girlfriend’ in the property was a victim property. They were not co-operative who had been forced into prostitution. and it took some time for the police to The son she was in a relationship with interview each of the individuals to became jealous and beat her. She was ascertain their identities and conduct pregnant and he had kicked her in the background checks. Within the family stomach to try and abort the baby there was a mother and father, two because he thought that she could have adult sons, two teenage sons and a been impregnated by one of her clients. daughter. Each of the son’s girlfriends Officers returned to the address and was also staying there, and one had a rescued the other girl and her baby baby. daughter.

It was discovered that one of the The two girls stayed in care for a girlfriends had been a victim of a sham couple of days before they were entered marriage previously. Officers decided to into the National Referral Mechanism. isolate her from the rest of the family to speak to her in private. At first, she was They eventually returned back home to

The Modern Slavery Co-ordination Unit team , led by Detective Inspector Denise Pye (seated)

Hungary with police escorts.

DC Chris Nield from the MSCU said: “This operation was a success because at every stage we put the victims first.

“In these situations, a standard interrogation carries the risk of frightening people and they may then not feel they can disclose any information. However the careful approach that was taken and sensitive handling of the victims has potentially saved all their lives.

“Making sure they were safe afterwards was also extremely

important.”

Made up of a mixture of GMP officers, staff and representatives from local partners, the MSCU can offer advice on a variety of issues, principally where a victim has been identified.

The team is available Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm and the UK Human Trafficking Centre provides a 24/7 service for out of hours enquiries. For further information visit the MSCU Intranet pages.

contacted CMI Manager Chris Oldham, he and his colleagues thought the videos were professional and a really useful tool.

Chris said: “Imitation is in fact the highest form of flattery and I was more than happy to help the Budapest Police develop their own version of these videos.”

The videos are GMP’s most successful series ever and is just one example of the great pioneering work of the CMI team, who are an integral part of the Corporate Communications Branch.

The team works with every division and branch across the Force, and also the media. They uphold the image of the Force, frequently providing photographs, videos and sound clips which are regularly broadcast on TV, radio and online.

They are truly innovative, creating new ways to promote the great work that GMP officers and staff do every day.

There’s no such thing as a typical day for this team.

A day may involve anything from taking photos and video of early morning raids, to puppies, to officers on patrol, to, Force initiatives and PR campaigns.

Spotlight

THE Crime Prevention team of the Budapest Police Force were so impressed with the 60 Second Security videos they have produced their own version - ’60 másodperc biztonság’.

The videos were produced by our Corporate and Media Imaging team (CMI) in conjunction with Judith Hackney, Prevent and Secure Crime Reduction Specialist, and PC Chris Hayden, who also stars in the GMP videos.

After coming across the series of short 60 second videos on YouTube, Police Liutenantcolonel Sándor Dombi

The work of CMI can also be found on the Force’s Flickr site, Pinterest and YouTube. The GMP Flickr site recently reached 18 million views and is well received by all its followers.

Spot the difference!

Contact CMI by phone on ext 62777 Corporate.MediaImaging@gmp.police.uk CMI are: Chris Oldham, Bill Morris, Geoff Lingard and Lisa Marks The GMP Flickr site can be found here.

The GMP 60 Second Security videos can be found on the GMP YouTube page

15

News

Becoming happier and healthier AS part of GMP’s commitment to the welfare of officers and staff, a number of wellbeing events have been taking place across the Force this month.

A fair was held at FHQ on Wednesday 8 July showcasing a range of services available to officers and staff to assist with their physical and mental wellbeing.

Organisations who attended included Anxiety UK, Cancer Awareness and Living Streets.

There was also a beauty bar and Transport for Greater Manchester offered a ‘Dr Bike’ service for free bike check-ups.

The event was very well attended, with colleagues visiting

from other divisions and branches to speak to the various partners involved and gain valuable advice on a range of wellbeing topics.

In addition to this, a wellbeing programme open to all officers and staff is currently in place at Sedgley Park. Running over a series of dates in July and August, the programme consists of a full day wellbeing activity where staff can attend a number of different sessions such as meditation techniques, a guided four mile walk, a spinning class and a health fair.

For more information on the events take a look at the latest news items on the intranet.

NEW legislation introduced in March this year makes it is easier to bring drug drivers to justice.

The new powers place legal limits on eight illegal drugs and eight medicinal drugs, working in the same way as drink driving. It will run alongside existing drug drive laws but removes the need for prosecutors to prove impairment of driving due to the influence of drugs.

In addition new drug driving tests, which GMP piloted before the national roll out, mean that drivers can now be tested at the roadside for cannabis and cocaine using a swab of saliva.

It goes without saying that drugs pose as much of a danger as alcohol and officers have been urging the public that the same rule applies – none for the road.

Summer operation During June’s summer drink and drug drive operation, officers carried out 93 drug tests using

the new kit and 73 per cent tested positive for cannabis or cocaine, and in some instances, both.

Ch Insp Rachel Buckle said: “The latest figures demonstrate the scale of the problem out there and it’s imperative we use legislation and drug testing kits to our advantage to increase safety on the roads.

“Tests are available 24/7. If you suspect you may be dealing with a drug driver then please contact the Roads Policing Unit immediately, as a number of drugs degrade quickly.”

Sgt John Brennan demonstrates one of the kits

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OFFICERS from the Gorton North Neighbourhood Policing Team took part in a ‘Super Learning Day’ at All Saints Primary School in Belle Vue, Gorton. The theme of the day was ‘safety’ and throughout the day the children got chance to experience a wide range of fun learning.

The Gorton North team turned up with a dog unit, a carrier and different bits of the uniform so the children could have a taste of life in the police. They also made sure the children knew the police were around for their safety and to help them should they need it.

PC Dale Chadwick said: “We wanted to create a fun learning environment that would firstly give the children an unforgettable experience and secondly teach them about the The kids get acquainted with two GMP recruits importance of being safe in their community. It was great to see I think that was one of the the children’s faces when they saw favourite bits of the day for a lot of the dog. the pupils.”

SCHOOLS TOGETHER: Colleagues from South Manchester Division held the annual ‘Schools Together’ event hosted by Nicholls College and Manchester Academy. The event took place over four days and more than 750 children from 18 primary schools came together to learn skills about honesty, integrity, pride, truth and achievement all through sporting activities. Local police officers and PCSOs used the opportunity to speak with the children and help to break down any barriers that may be in place.

A safe haven for revellers

GMP Life

Super learning in Gorton

CI Laura Marler and Deputy PCC Jim Battle with a Manchester Street Angels representative

OFFICERS from the North Manchester Division have piloted a scheme to provide revellers a place for support and ease the pressure on frontline services.

The ‘Safe Haven’ was trialled for four weeks and during that time it successfully supported people by providing assistance to reunite people with their friends, offer a place to sober up and ensure that emergency services were not unnecessarily called out.

Based at the Nexus Art Café on Dale Street, Manchester ‘Safe Haven’ is supported by regular officers, special constables, Manchester Street Angels and the LGBT Foundation Village Angels.

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Letters

Letters of Appreciation I wanted to let you know how grateful my wife Fiona and I are to one of your officer’s, PC Nathan Butterworth.

We have been severely harassed by a man that has left us both on the brink in his attempts to destroy our lives. PC Butterworth has been our salvation and we hope his intervention will help bring this matter to a conclusion so we can rebuild our lives. Without a doubt he is one of the best officers we have ever come across and without his help, heaven knows where we would be. He is brilliant at his job and an absolute credit to the Force.

Mr S, Trafford I was involved in a car accident in May and I was left very shaken along with my passengers, one of whom had two fractured ribs. I wish to say how impressed I was with the policewoman who was involved, PC Joanne Worsley, from the Road Policing Unit. She was efficient, sensitive and followed me home to ensure I was ok. She also telephoned my friends to see how they were later on as they

18

had to go to A&E because of their injuries. A job more than well done.

Mrs H, Chadderton I am writing this letter to express my gratitude to the services by the police officers.

The officers saved me from my house which could have ignited fire at any minute after smoke caused by the burning food. Due to some health complications I became unconsciousness.

Indeed I have to admit that had it not of been your police officers who risked their lives I would have been dead thus I value their actions as extraordinary as they risked themselves.

To me and my family back home this is a precedent as we found it rare for the police to enter a smoking house to save someone.

As if rescuing me was not enough the officers provided aid to me until I got into the ambulance. I was very weak but I overheard one of the officers advise the ambulance crew of my disability.

The actions of the officers

rejuvenated my trust in the police which I had completely lost.

Indeed, they proved me wrong about their role which I had underestimated but today I feel very proud and secure and I am alive because of them. Some of my fellow African men and women talk proudly about these officers and the calls are still pouring to find out the authenticity of my rescue by the police officers. My family back home are very proud and have no words of expressing my thanks to those officers for saving my life.

Mr Nkomo I would just like to thank all of the staff who kindly attended our school summer fayre on Saturday 13 July at St John's CE Primary School Pemberton. I would especially like to thank the PCSO Ben Heppenstall who organised the visit and all the resources.

The children really loved it and we really hope to see you again next year! Thank you PCSOs Ben Heppenstall and Ann Simpkin, and PC Ian Corcoran for giving up your time it was greatly appreciated!

Miss C Myers

Tremendous support I have experienced a number of neighbourhood issues over the last six years. This has involved continuous dog barking, blocking access to the back of my property and rubbish being left on my property.

I was visited by PCSO Anita Ashton who took details of what had been happening. She came back the following afternoon with PC Phil Atherton.

I was overwhelmed by the response as it showed that both officers were treating this as a serious matter.

They spoke to the neighbour asking her to move her rubbish. The neighbour was rude to the officers but they dealt with her in a calm and polite manner and she was told to move the rubbish before the end of the day.

She didn’t move the rubbish so I had to report it again. By Sunday morning the rubbish had gone.

The support from Anita was tremendous and if all officers where more like her then issues would be resolved a lot sooner.

Mrs C, Wigan

PC Paul Mottram and PCSO Nigel Kirk have helped to secure £1,800 of funding from the High Sheriff’s Trust for Winton Wanderers Football Club, who are based in Eccles.

Nigel said: “The head coach Adam Pritchard is a dedicated coach and mentor to the children under his care. We were really impressed with his work at the club as well as his sterling work to the Winton Wanderers football club with PC Mottram and PCSO Kirk wider community.”

What’s On? Wednesday 22—Sunday 26 July

GMP Life

High Sheriff’s Trust

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Saturday 8 August Man Utd vs. Chelsea

2 July—19 July Manchester International Festival

Friday 31 July Badly Drawn Boy, Bridgewater Hall

Caption Competition Sunday 2 August Sky Ride Manchester City Centre

Saturday 1 August Last night of the Halle proms Bridgewater Hall 13-15 August West Side Story, Palace Theatre

Sunday 16 August Manchester City vs. Chelsea

Last edition’s winner: “My dad used to hit me over the head with a Kodak camera, I still get flash backs” PC Adam Murphy Send your caption suggestions to brief@gmp.police.uk by 18 September 2015. We will print the winning suggestion in the next issue

Saturday 29 August Manchester Pride Event

Tuesday 4—Saturday 8 August Barnum, The Lowry

Friday 18 September Florence & The Machine Phones 4U Arena

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Seeking friendship Education, laughter and conversation Building, 135 yrs. Informative, entertaining, and charismatic.

Interests include engaging the public with the history of policing, supporting Public Relations and socialising with likeminded people. Would like to meet enthusiastic volunteers once a week to welcome the public, deliver tours and promote the museum. GSOH is a must.

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By Ian Hanson, Chairman GMP Police Federation GMP colleagues have long benefited from the superb cover provided by the Federation Group Insurance Scheme (shown as LIAS on your payslip). The protection we offer is always developing and the Trustees who run it are constantly looking for improvements.

Group Insurance is unique - it is exactly what it says on the tin -access to the scheme is limited to police officers, their spouses and the police family and we can negotiate excellent rates with underwriters.

Membership of the scheme amongst police officers stands at around 97% and when spouses and retired officers are added on the total membership stands at over 11,000, giving us stability and negotiating strength to use on your behalf.

Police staff have not yet taken advantage of the scheme. So, the Trustees have decided to launch a bespoke policy tailored specifically for police staff in GMP, with some of the benefit amounts reduced which has reduce the cost significantly when compared against the main scheme.

Police staff colleagues joining will still enjoy the same travel and motor

breakdown cover, as well as full family legal protection and home emergency insurance, however the benefits paid in the event of death and critical illness have been set at £40,000 and £10,000 enabling us to offer this at a cost of £14.95 per month for a serving member of police staff and £3.29 for their spouse. Full details of all the benefits provided can be found here, together with policy booklets for all levels of protection provided under the scheme.

The main elements of the scheme are life cover and critical illness cover.

The GMP Federation scheme offers an extensive list of conditions which are covered as part of the critical illness insurance, with varying levels of cover dependent upon which element of the scheme a member subscribes too.

The top band of protection is set at £20,000 for a serving police officer in the main scheme, the maximum level of life cover is set at £140,000 for death by any causes and is paid on a Trust basis very quickly after an event to provide financial assistance when it is needed.

If you are already a member ensure the Federation Office has an up to date Nomination Form of your beneficiary in the event of something happening – it can be found on the GMP Federation website.

All branches of the policy also provide cover for many things colleagues are unaware of and sometimes are paying for duplicate and unnecessary cover elsewhere.

Scheme members and families have full worldwide travel insurance for up to 60 days which also extends to dependent children travelling independently up to 18 or 21 if in fulltime education.

Grandchildren are also covered if

travelling with a member, even if their parents are not on the same trip. There is full motor breakdown and recovery protection for member and spouse including Europe.

Home emergency cover is also included which protects against boiler failure amongst many other domestic perils. For full details of all the cover offered go to www.gmpfederation.com/ download-area/

GMP Life

Staff Insurance Scheme

BETTER HEALTH: NHS health professionals (pictured with Senior Investigating Officer Bob Tonge) paid Nexus House a visit to offer free health check ups for people based in the building. Over 50 officers and staff took advantage of the service to check their blood pressure, learn about their cholesterol levels and get advice on how to improve their health. The event proved so popular that an extra day of appointments was arranged.

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GMP Life 22

Dementia: a cultural perspective

By Ch Insp John Taylor, Rochdale

residents of Rochdale. and advice to support services and other professionals.

He is a visiting lecturer at Salford University’s Institute for Dementia, “Because many BME/South Asian ROCHDALE division has taken having worked in the field of learning, communities do not have a word for steps to help officers with the demands dementia; people living with the of dealing with dementia with a series of skills and community development in the public sector for 25 years.

He also condition are often referred to as ‘crazy’ innovative training inputs, with a has personal experience of caring for or assumed they are possessed by evil particular focus on the perception of spirits – this is often mental health in South Asian delaying diagnosis. communities.

“So as part of my training I Ch Insp John Taylor has talk about black magic and co-ordinated the events. He how that can impact on the said: “Dementia has an family’s beliefs and culture. increasing impact on our aging communities and we The police are a valuable really wanted to do part of our community and something different to I am delighted to share my coincide with the national knowledge and experience dementia awareness week in with them; and I was May.” humbled when Chief Inspector Taylor invited me Over a five week period to deliver this training to his all front line staff took part in staff. two 45 minute bespoke training sessions, both of “Hopefully we can roll out which were designed to raise this innovative programme awareness and share to all Greater Manchester A new perspective on dealing with dementia: Ch Insp John Taylor with community activist Shahid Mohammed at one of the events knowledge of dementia. divisions, and maybe even Shahid Mohammed from nationally.”

Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Health his mother, who suffers from dementia.

This training is ground breaking for and Wellbeing delivered the second the police and benefits go beyond When asked about his work, Shahid session focussing specifically on the dealing with mental health. said: “I decided to set about on a South Asian Community.

Understanding different cultures and campaign to engage with the BME and Shahid is a community activist in taboos helps with community South Asian community in Rochdale dementia and the Founder of BME engagement, confidence in policing and and start a process of raising Health & Wellbeing who is passionate awareness of dementia, providing help community cohesion. about making a difference for the

Pennine Anniversary THIS year, the Pennine Way celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Kevin Hoines, a retired police officer sent Brief a photograph of a group of cadets including himself who walked the Pennine Way in 1968.

He completed almost the entire walk until their support van broke down.

The 268 mile trail, which was officially opened in 1965, stretches from Edale in the Derbyshire Peak District to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border.

Today Kevin (pictured below) still walks, raising money for a mountain rescue organization.

SPECIALS Sergeant Carmen Thompson and Special Constables Rebecca Fitton, Mark Goulding, Dudu Miah, Mohammed Ali and Kamran Bashir took on the challenge of climbing Mount Snowden to raise money for the charity Retrak.

Carmen said: “We climbed up the Pyg route in a record of two hours and 15 minutes after working together as a team. We were determined to reach the top!

“Mark carried on even though he had cold knees and Mohammed kept everyone going with his flapjacks. We raised more than £600 between us.”

CH Insp Umer Khan also ascended Mount Snowden with a group of friends, family and colleagues to raise money for Retrak and an orphanage in Pakistan.

Umer has been fund raising since November last year—£2,000 went to Retrak and £1,000 for the orphanage.

Obituaries Mr Harold Snape, died 01/04/15, aged 83

GMP Life

Snowdon successes

Mr Keith Woodward, died 01/04/15, aged 66 Det Ch Insp Sidney Horne, died 16/04/15, aged 82 PC Nicholas Doyle, died 24/04/15, aged 88 Mr Gerald Speight, died 25/04/15, aged 86 Ch Ins Mary Davison, died 27/04/15, aged 87 Officer Donald Durie, died 29/04/15, aged 93 PC Christopher Bradley, died 04/05/15, aged 58 Officer Brian Grimsditch, died 11/05/15, aged 61

Father and son get in the saddle DET Sgt Damian Threader from the Serious Crime Division and his son Michael have taken part in a charity cycle ride at the Manchester Velodrome to raise money for Haematology and Transport Support (HATS).

The charity (Hatsupport.co.uk) provides support and care to patients and families undergoing stem cell/bone marrow transplants. Damian’s father, Peter, a retired GMP officer had a successful life-saving stem cell transplant at The Christie in 2012.

Peter said: “I am proud and grateful to both Damian and Michael for supporting the charity. Despite the nerves, cycling at the Velodrome for the first time, they both enjoyed the experience. The event was a huge success and a lot of money was raised.”

PC Alfred Siddle, died 17/05/15, aged 87 Officer Edward Etherington, died 23/05/15, aged 66 Officer William Alexander, died 24/05/15, aged 78 Det Frank Gorrie, died 29/05/15, aged 79 Supt Michael Baker, died 05/06/15, aged 54 Officer Eric Heyes, died 12/06/15, aged 64 PC Gerald Lloyd, died 12/06/15, aged 81

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Sport

Cricket and the community

THREE GMP officers competed for the British Police Water Polo Team in the police sport UK invitational tournament at Bury on May 16, beating teams from Bury, Radcliffe and Liverpool to win the trophy.

The cup was kindly provided by the widow of PC Dave “Ralphy” Briggs who had played water polo for the police until his passing in 2009 from a brain tumour.

Public Order instructor Mike Short (Coach) far left, PC Andy Pearson (GK) second left, DC Graham Elleray (holding plaque), DC Steve Davidson (captain) holding the cup.

Left: the team in action

NEWTON Neighbourhood Policing Team in Stockport has been helping to break down barriers between young children and police by organising the annual interschools community cricket tournament.

PCSO Tony Novotny, from Newton NPT said: “Tournaments and community events like this present us with an ideal opportunity to meet the children and encourage them to feel confident in speaking to the police from an early age.

“The vision is to expand the

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event next year to include a bigger community and include more schools.”

Funded by GMP and local businesses, primary schools from the Hyde, Hattersley and Broadbottom areas took part in the annual tournament which was held at Flowery Field Cricket Club in June.

With support from New Charter, Hyde Clarendon College, Flowery Field Cricket Club, local businesses and councillors, the event turned out to be a fun filled day for all involved and a huge success for community involvement.

A raffle and donations raised £415 for the Christie Hospital Charity.

If you’re interested in joining us please email Stephen.davidson@gmp.police.uk

GMP to host national netball event GMP is to host the annual Netball PSUK in September this year.

As part of this year’s event the two GMP teams will be raising money for the PC Nicola Hughes Foundation and the Willow Rose Charity.

PC Verity Farry, from the Tameside

Division is part of the PSUK Netball team.

She said: “We would love lots of people to come along and support us. The competition takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September between 9am and 4pm.

“So make a note of the date in your diary and come along and support us.”

(a half ironman distance), where he recorded strong times in very THE GMP Triathlon Team has competitive fields. competed in a number of PSUK The final event of the season events this year. was at Ullswater on Friday 10 July GMP won the team event at the for the PSUK Olympic Triathlon Emergency Services sprint event (1500m swim, 40km cycle, 10km (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) run) around beautiful surroundings in Nottingham in May against some in the Lake District where the team strong teams from the Fire Service launched their new kits. and the Metropolitan Police.

GMP was strongly represented Craig Morgan, Richard Sample over 10 entries. Craig Morgan and Steve Hall fared the best with came third overall. the rest of the team recording good Anyone wishing to join the team times. please contact PC Ben Coombs or Craig Morgan also represented any of the team members.

GMP at the inter-services duathlon We aim to get some training championships and the middle events throughout the year and distance Triathlon championships come back stronger next season.

Sport

Triumphant triathletes

By PC Ben Coombes

The triathlon team at Ullswater, (left to right): Phil Slicksby, Martin Taylor, Ben Coombs, Craig Chapman, Kate Barlow, Matt Hawtin, Mike Buddy, Rick Sample, Matt Oldham, Martin Wildman, Steve Hall and Craig Morgan

National honour for basketballer A GMP officer has been chosen to play for the GB Basketball team.

PC Stuart Jackson from the Tactical Aid Unit has been playing basketball for more than 25 years.

He started playing basketball at

the age of 14, and has played in Division One National League representing Bury and has been playing for GMP for 10 years.

He said: “The selection process included regional qualifiers,

national final scouts followed by trials in December last year and March this year.

“I was very proud to put on my GB kit for the very first time and able to represent my country.”

The team played the British Army last month and won 96-71.

Stuart is also hoping that the squad reaches the World Police Games in Greece in 2017.

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Students from Whalley Range 11-18 High School accompanied by ACC Dawn Copley helped mark the first national day of remembrance for victims of honourbased abuse on July 14 by releasing balloons. The #dishonourthecrime campaign, introduced by the charity Karma Nirvana in conjunction with Cosmopolitan Magazine, aims to remember victims and to encourage young people to denounce honour-based abuse crimes.